Sussex Academy clinches second Henlopen title in a row, beats CR 1-0

For the first time in program history, Sussex Academy girls’ soccer has won the Henlopen Athletic Conference title in back-to-back years, dispatching Henlopen North champion Caesar Rodney May 17 in Camden.

“It was good to see them again; the first time that we played, we went into overtime and we had to scrap back,” coach Chase Humphrey said. “The biggest thing today was to get on them and get out front, so then they had to scrap back.”

The Seahawks' flight to the title began early on when eighth-grader Patricia Lara Nieto fought past the Riders’ backline to force action in the heart of the box, leading to a CR handball foul. Captain Deb Williams' number was called from the spot.

“It was redemption, because last time I went up against her in a PK, I missed it just wide of the frame,” Williams said. “This time, I knew I needed to seal it away – to steal the game away.”

With the ninth-minute conversion, Sussex Academy claimed a 1-0 lead. While it was all the Seahawks needed, it was also the only tally Eva Sheppard conceded. 

“She made some amazing saves as a keeper,” Williams said. “She kept them in the game, because we had so many shots on frame that were good shots that she saved, that honestly, I didn't think any other keeper would save.”

Sheppard’s place on the North’s first team was validated in the effort, but not to be outdone was the South’s first-team keeper, freshman Ella Sprucebank, who was the last line of defense for the ninth clean sheet of the Seahawks’ season.

“It's impossible just to emphasize the one and the four in the back; it starts with our nine and then everyone else,” Humphrey said. “Our back four has been the heart and soul of our team, led by Sienna [Serpico]. Ella’s done such a great job, being a freshman; can't speak any more highly of her. Then between Ash [Alvarez Chavez] and Sienna, who are gonna be irreplaceable, Deborah, Carly [Couch] and Addy [Bleile] and whoever else in the sixes in front of them, that's why we got those clean sheets.”

Sussex Academy held tight for the victory, but the girls are always looking for ways to improve, particularly as playoffs get underway.

“I definitely think we played better in the first half, but that's kind of the way things roll when we only have 16 players on the team to play the 80 minutes,” Williams said. “Overall, I'm so proud of our efforts.”

The game was also a chance for the squad to sharpen their skills in the final game the Seahawks will play against a Division I team this season.

“We want to play teams that will challenge us and will prepare us for the tournament; I think they were a good team,” Serpico said. “They put up a good fight, we definitely had to work hard for that title, and it's good to keep us in check.” 

Finishing the season with an overall record of 12-3-1, Sussex Academy enters the Division II DIAA girls’ soccer state tournament as the No. 3 seed and will welcome No. 6 Newark Charter at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 22.

Two trophies are nice, but the girls have their sights set on the biggest prize of the year.

“I see it as the job is not finished; we still have states to go – three games to get another piece of silverware – and I completely see that happening,” Serpico said. “We're all locked in, and I don't see a reason to stop here.”